“For as long as I can remember, we were told not to speak to each other. There is a strong tendency to dehumanize the other side. Learning to talk and listen to different narratives is crucial,” said Abigail Szor from Israel, sharing her experience of participating in “Meaning Meets Us,” which brings together Muslim, Jewish, and Christian youth for interreligious and intercultural dialogue, emphasizing the importance of encountering others in the pursuit of peace.
The “Meaning Meets Us” gathering, held from 2 to 5 February 2025 in the Vatican, was organized in response to the need for dialogue and mutual understanding and awareness following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023.
Students from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem spearheaded the project aiming to foster understanding among young people from diverse backgrounds, while the international Scholas Occurentes association coordinated the “Meaning Meets Us” event, culminating in the presentation of their conclusions to Pope Francis at the end of the General Audience in the Paul VI Hall.
During their brief meeting with the Pope, participants handed him a letter and a sweatshirt, which he signed. In their message, they reflected on the difficult conversations they had engaged in, clarifying that their goal was not agreement but mutual understanding.
Overcoming divisions
In this unique space, Israeli, Palestinian, and American youth chose to set aside divisive rhetoric and reject hate speech in favour of “sustaining complex dialogue” and learning to understand each other’s perspectives.
“I came because I want these numbers to end,” Abigail said, pointing to the number of people killed in Gaza, a number written on a tag sewn to her T-shirt.
“I do not want the war to continue, nor for the hostages to die without returning home. I do not want more bloodshed in Gaza. I have friends on both sides whom I love and who matter to me,” she added.
For Isabel Gonzales, a student at the University of Notre Dame, the opportunity to greet Pope Francis on the final day of the meeting was profoundly meaningful. She hopes to return home to share the stories she heard, the experiences she lived, and the lessons she learned, contributing to efforts for reconciliation. “We all want to live in peace and be happy,” she affirmed.
Maysan Madi, a Palestinian Arab, describes the encounter as deeply moving. “I am not a Christian, yet I still felt the holiness and greatness of the place. Pope Francis’ words were incredibly powerful. I think everyone present, regardless of their background or beliefs, felt the same way,” she affirmed.
Source link: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-02/schola-occurentes-pope-young-people-israel-palestine.html
